Saturday, December 29, 2007

Hello everyone! We hope you had a fabulous Christmas. New Year's is just around the corner, which means new calendars... and I recently entered Max in a Hot Dog Calendar contest to raise money for homeless pets.

With over 100 contestants, Max has made it to the top 30 and now needs your help. The top 12 dogs are based on popular vote online.

Please vote for Maximus for the Hot Dog Calendar!!! You can vote once a day per email address!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Maxy and I just finished our daylong trek from sunny California to the frigid Midwest. We left home at about 4am and Max slept through the long lines at the airport. During our layover he mad a little buddy Abby the Schnauzer, who was also headed to Kansas City.

Max just just loves stealing the attention when he prances off the airplane! After we landed he finally got to play with his sisters on the farm. Maxy is definitely ready for Christmas... atleast the turkey!

Make sure your dog’s collar and tags are secure: Before leaving on your trip, make sure your dog’s collar fits properly and its tags are up to date with your current phone number and rabies information. Adding your cell phone number to the dog’s tag is also a good idea if Rover runs away during the trip, since you won’t be at home to receive any calls.

Don’t forget to pack food: Even if you’re going to a place with supermarkets that carry your dog’s brand of food, fill a large Ziploc bag with a day’s worth of food in case travel delays or an exhausting trip mean you can’t get to the store on time.

Pawpalaceonline.com offers a full line of Posh Pet Designer Fragrances that will keep your pup smelling great between baths. Formulated for dogs, this is a steal at only $8.99. Many fragrances to choose from, including cK-9, Pucci, and Timmy Holedigger. Order soon because delivery takes 1-2 weeks!

Gifts $25 and under

Keep your little guy clean and fresh for all of his holiday parties with Cain and Able's Bone-shaped Vinyl Travel set for only $18.50 available at Cainandablecollection.com. This set includes Lavender Shampoo, Conditioner, Candle, and Between Baths Spritz in a extra cute bone-shaped reusable bag. You can't go wrong with this bargain!

How cute would your puppy look lounging on his very own solid wood Adirondack patio chair. For only $49 at Lilianvernon.com, you can get a personalized solid wood chair and cushion. This would even work great in the house!

Gifts $100 and under

Juicy Couture has a wide range of super cute pet clothes and accessories. If you are looking to dole out a little cash this holiday season, try a down a Juicy Dog Parka for $75 available at Nordstrom.com.

Gifts over $100

After a busy holiday, your pup may need a comfy bed for a little rest and relaxation. Target has a very fancy day bed style dog bed with two pull out drawers for all of your puppy's toys. It is a fairly expensive option at $199 but adorable.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Regardless how many times I hear or read that it is bad to feed your dog table food, once in a while I give in. Although we all hate being a victim of the sad puppy eyes while we are eating, there are certain foods that are completely off limits to dogs. These foods include:

Raw Fish - May contain parasites which attach to your dog's intestines causing symptoms similar to those of distemper or parvo

Milk and other dairy products - A large number of dogs are lactose intolerant

Mushrooms - May contain toxins causing shock to the dog's system

Salt - A little is okay, but too much can cause electrolyte imbalances

Xylitol - An artificial sweetener that can cause hypoglycemia

Chicken Bones - Especially cooked bones are brittle and can break off and puncture the stomach or esophagus

Turkey skin/Ham fat - Too much fat can cause pancreatitis; When a dog eats a high-fat meal, its pancreas overproduces enzymes, to the extent that they actually begin to "digest" the pancreas and inflame it

No raw fish for Max... only toys!

This is just something to think about during the holiday season, as your guests may think it is cute to feed your puppy table food. Some options are keeping your dog in another room while the food is being served, or asking your guests not to feed your dog table food because it could make him sick. Try to feed your puppy before the dinner so he is not begging for food!

Also be sure to check the floor to make sure no food was dropped and in the dog's reach. Make sure all trash is out of reach as well. Last year my parent's yorkie knocked over the trash can and had a merry time digging the garbage!

Treating your puppy to part of your holiday feast is fine, but make sure you limit the amount, and refrain from too much fat.

Max loves to have a little turkey to celebrate the holidays... what is your favorite holiday treat?

This leash is about 3 feet in length and has a large opening for your hand. It is made of material similar to a phone cord, which allows the leash to expand to up to 8 feet in length. This is perfect for jogging because rarely do Max and I stay on the same step. It is called a Drag-Free leash because the coil design allows for it to pick up slack when your dog is closer to you, without dragging on the ground.

Great for outdoor dining

We have used this leash for several months now and there are no signs of wear. The cord is still very well in tact and has not once tangled and the material webbing housing the cord looks just like new.

It is also handy because you can loop your key ring through the hand strap when you are out for a walk. The leash itself can also be looped around the back support of your car seat to secure your dog while you are driving.

Great for securing Max in the car

I always get compliments on this leash when Max and I are out for a walk or shopping. It is a beautiful design, with brass fixtures and colorful fabric.

This leash comes in 18 different colors and costs only $19.99. It can be purchased at Cetacea's online store. I definitely recommend this over any other leash we have used. It gives Max the independence of movement, looks great, and is very durable.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Most pet owners do not really consider pet insurance until the day they are faced with a hefty vet bill, at which time, it is too late. I have to admit, I am one of those people. Though we have not been faced with outrageous vet bills, pet insurance is one of those things I have just put on the back burner for some time now.

However, Max was feeling a bit under the weather yesterday and I started considering it more and more. I have done some research as to various plans and what is covered, and I would like to pass on that information to you.

VPI Pet InsuranceOne insurance provider that I looked in to was VPI Pet Insurance. Both the Standard and Superior Coverage Plans require a $50 deductible per incident. Superior Plan offers the highest reimbursement payouts for eligible veterinary expenses such as accidental injuries, emergencies and illnesses, including cancer. Max's quote was $13 per month.

The Pet WellCare Protection is an additional endorsement on top of your regular plan that covers basic health needs and routine care such as an annual check up, vaccinations, flea/heartworm treatment, and x-rays. Max's quotes were $12/month for $250/year coverage, and $22/month for $400/year coverage.

You can get a quote for your dog online. VPI scored only a 4.2 rating on Pet Insurance Review... so I continued to research.

Max says... Insure Me!!!

PetFirst Pet InsuranceAnother insurance provider I found was PetFirst. They seemed to get great reviews. They offer both Core and Comprehensive coverage, with plans starting as low as $17 per month, which offers $4,500 in annual coverage, limited to $1,500 per injury. Core coverage includes accident and illness protection

The Comprehensive plan has a Preferred Plus plan at $49 monthly that covers up to $12,000 a year, limited to $3,500 per incident. Comprehensive coverage includes accident, illness and routine care protection.

PetFirst also offers a discount for households with multiple pets. You also save $10 off your first month by applying online. Filing a claim seems easy as it only requires you to fill out a form and send it and the receipts to PetFirst.

PetFirst also requires a $50 deducitble and pays up to 90% of your claim. There are six different policies ranging from $17 - $49 per month. PetFirst got a 9.2 rating at Pet Insurance Review. Sounds like PetFirst is the way to go.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

We have just received our very first blog award and would just like to thank Pet Beach and Alex! Max was so proud to share his story of his visits to the beach.

Max says...

"Living in California, my Mommy and Daddy visit the beach a lot and they always take me! Last weekend we went to Marina Beach. It said no dogs, so I didn't get to frolic in the water but that was okay because I don't like the water too well anyway.

... I love to hear the sound of the waves, but I like chasing the sea gulls even more! When my Grandma and Grandpa were visiting California, we went to John Muir Beach too! It was so cool... we had a picnic and I got to eat lots of yummy food, then I played on the beach with other puppies.

I got sand on my wet nose and it made me sneeze. But it was soooo worth it! I can't wait to go back again!"

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Interested in taking your puppy to the beach? I just found a great website full of dog-friendly beaches across the US. Check out Pet Friendly Travel for a full lists of dog-friendly beaches across the US.

Max at Muir Beach, SF, CA

We have taken Max to to several beaches along the California coast, and this is what we thought:

Carmel City Beach - nice, open area, pretty crowded, but no leash required

Carmel Pebble Beach - more secluded and could play off leash and run to the water, but there was a significant amount of seaweed on the beach

Stinson Beach - nice beach, but is always chilly there, be sure to take his sweater; many dog-friendly restaurants in the area

Seaside - Beautiful coast line with walking path near the beach, many dog-friendly restaurants in the area

Muir Beach - beautiful beach with picnic area too; a few other small dogs there; plenty of room to frolic

Half Moon Bay - walked along a guided path near the beach and on trails; nice, but not our favorite

Marina State Beach - saw surfers and dolphins, but dogs aren't allowed on the actual beach, only surrounding area

Monterey State Beach - had fun chasing little squirrels, beautiful beach with small trails off the beach

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Are you getting a new puppy and just can't think of a name? Here are the top 12 male and female dog names of 2007. Max is the top name, so I guess it does make sense that there are three dogs named Max at play group.

Max -- Molly

Buddy -- Bella

Jake -- Lucy

Bailey -- Maggie

Rocky -- Daisy

Charlie -- Sadie

Jack -- Chloe

Toby -- Sophie

Cody -- Bailey

Buster -- Zoe

Duke -- Lola

Cooper -- Abby

If you want your pup to have a unique name, try naming him after one of his character traits (Spot or Cocoa) or maybe after something your lil guy really likes (Teddy Bear).

Also think of a historical figure (Leopold or Beatrix) or an actress in your favorite play (Juliet).

Try taking a word that describes your pup and translate it (Sweetie is BonBon in Italian, or Kiss is Bisou in French).

Take a name from your favorite sport (Becks) or chose a name from something you are interested in (Neptune).

Friday, November 2, 2007

Thinking of buying a puppy? If so, please be aware of the massive puppy mills that are plaguing our nation and destroying the lives of innocent puppies everywhere.

What are puppy mills?Puppy mills are breeding facilities that breed purebred puppies in large quantities. The puppies are then sold to pet stores, through newspaper advertisements, or online.

Though there are many legitimate breeders, puppy mills often over-breed the dogs, and in some cases, even inbreed. This brings on an array of medical problems for the dogs and puppies.

The cute little puppies are often forced in small cages that are overcrowded. Additionally, there is very little human socialization, which is an important factor in all puppies lives, especially in such tender years.

In order for the breeder to ship out as many puppies and make as much money as possible, the puppies generally receive inappropriate veterinary care. Sometimes, the documentation of vaccines has even been forged. The worst part… unwanted puppies are killed.

How do I avoid purchasing a puppy that was bred in a puppy mill?Pet stores are often full of puppies from puppy mills. The pet store is out to make money and generally does not care where the puppy came from, but rather is only interested in the largest profit margin. Puppies are merely inventory for the pet store. Unless you make a specific inquiry as to the origin of the puppy and investigate the breeder, a pet store is not the best place to purchase a puppy.

Newspaper and internet advertisements are also venues that generally promote puppy mills. It is easy to see a picture of a cute puppy and fall in love, but what you don't see is the massive overcrowding and poor health care.

Also, consider the alternative of selecting a puppy from your local shelter or purebred rescue group.

When visiting a breeder, how do I know if it is a puppy mill?Here are some signs that you have found a legitimate breeder:

The puppies are eager to see people and do not shy away

The living area for the puppies and clean and well-kept

Puppies are fed premium dog food

The breeder only breeds a few breeds and knows the breed standards (size, color, temperament)

The breeder encourages you to spend time with the parent of the puppy and multiple visits

The breeder shows you the medical record and explains the vaccinations

The breeder shares potential genetic problems inherent in the breed

The breeder is active with local, state, and national kennel clubs

The breeder provides a written contract and health guaranty and allows you time to read it thoroughly

The breeder offers training tips and provides references of other families who have purchased puppies

Doesn't someone need to rescue the puppies from the mill?Some may argue that unless the puppies are rescued from the puppy mill, they may be killed; however, it is important to see the big picture.

Unless people stop purchasing puppies from these puppy mills, this will go on forever. If you buy a puppy to try to rescue it, you are actually promoting and supporting the puppy mill and causing the dilemma to continue. Please make an informed decision when you purchase your next puppy!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

This pumpkin dog treat recipe is a super yummy treat for your pooch and is loaded with Beta carotene and anti-oxidants especially Vitamin C and E. These vitamins help to lower cancer risk, cataracts and heart disease. The pumpkin also aids in digestion.

Friday, October 26, 2007

No one likes to be bitten by those nasty little fleas. If your dog bring fleas to your home, you will first want to wash all linens that are potentially affected in hot water, and dry on high heat. Additionally, there are many products that are made just for this problem. You can use a home spray or a carpet powder. Both are effective options.

Hartz also makes ADVANCED CARE 3 in 1 Carpet Powder that kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks that live and breed in carpets and upholstered furniture. This can be used in homes, basements, pet sleeping quarters and storage areas and can control re-infestation for up to 365 days by killing flea eggs.

Is there a natural way to rid my dog of fleas?You can make your own flea spray or use essential oils to repel fleas.

A recipe for a safe and easy homemade flea repellent is: cut 6 lemons in half, boil in a quart of water, steep a few hours, then strain the solution into a spray bottle. Spritz your pet's fur, taking care not to spray near the eyes.

Are there any vitamins or supplements that will repel fleas?There are vitamins and dietary supplements that will help to repel fleas. Here are some supplements are are known to help:

B complex vitamins (50 mg once a day for cats and smaller dogs, and twice daily for larger dogs

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid supplements

Organic apple cider vinegar to the dog's water bowl (about 1 teaspoon for small dogs and 1 tablespoon for large dogs)

Safflower oil and powdered kelp or seaweed to the food bowl (about 1 teaspoon for small dogs and 1 tablespoon for large dogs)

Fresh garlic in small quantities can help repel fleas by making the animal taste unpleasant to fleas. Grate a small amount of fresh, raw garlic into your pet's food at mealtime, about one-half to 3 chambers of the clove (chamber, not a whole clove -- see below) depending on the animal's size.

What is the best way to protect against fleas?It is important to treat your dog all year around, especially if you live in a more temperate climate. This can be done with flea shampoo, sprays, and also with the monthly topical treatment.

There are a variety of pet stores, as well as online stores that sell flea treatments. Pet Edge carries many flea treatments at a very affordable price. They have shampoos, sprays, and topical treatment. You can get a 3 month supply of topical treatment for only $1.99. So, there is no excuse to make your pal itch.

Topical treatments

What if my dog has extra sensitive skin? There are some flea treatments formulated for sensitive skin. Hartz makes an ADVANCED CARE 2 in 1 Flea & Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal that kills fleas and ticks while helping to sooth and relieve dry, itchy or irritated skin with a fresh herbal fragrance. This product was developed with encapsulated Oat Extract to provide soothing relief to itchy problem skin.

There are other dog shampoos and sprays on the market made for sensitive skin. Additionally, you may want to try the topical treatment, since it is concentrated to one area.

We all know that fleas can cause your little guy to drive himself crazy scratching. But did you know that these small dark brown insects prefer temperatures of 65-80 degrees and humidity levels of 75-85%... so for some areas of the country they are more than just a “summer” problem. The next few articles will be addressing how to determine if your little guy has fleas and how to deal with it.

How did my dog get fleas?Dogs and cats can get infested with fleas through contact with other animals or contact with fleas in the environment. Often times, fleas can even live in the grass and can latch on to your pup at play group or even on a walk outside. Fleas can’t fly, but they can jump pretty far!

How do I know if my dog has fleas? These nasty little bugs can often be seen scurrying along the surface of the skin. Fleas dislike light so looking for them within furry areas and on the pet's belly and inner thighs will provide your best chances of spotting them. Look for "flea dirt", too. "Flea dirt" looks like dark specks of pepper scattered on the skin surface. If you find fleas or flea dirt, you need to begin your war on the pests.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Cain & Able Collection offers a shampoo and conditioner for dogs, formulated from pure organic essential oils, which act a a natural flea treatment, while still keeping the coat smooth and shiny.

We purchased the shampoo because it was advertised to be a gentle shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin. We used both the shampoo and conditioner for several weeks. At first, it seemed like Max was still scratching at his sensitive skin. However, we determined that we were not rinsing the conditioner out completely. After spending a little more time getting the conditioner out, Max was a soft and clean little guy.

Drying off and looking cute!

The products come in either a lavender or peppermint fragrance. We have the lavender and it smells great. Both the shampoo and conditioner are $12.50 each, for a 16 ounce bottle. It is available for purchase at boutiques an online at the Cain & Able online store.

They also have some other products we are looking forward to try, such as the paw balm.

Overall, both the shampoo and conditioner are great, all-natural products. As long as you are willing to spend a little extra time rinsing the conditioner out, I am sure you will be satisfied with the quality and performance as well.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

With the holiday season quickly approaching, I thought it would be helpful to have a list of airlines that allow pets on board. I have used United, Continental and Delta without difficulty. If you have a well behaved dog, the flight attendants are usually lax and let your little pal sit on your lap.

Special RulesAirlines allowing pet travel generally accept most small domesticated pets. Other pets may be accepted with approval. Pets that may travel in the climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments include: cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been fully weaned for at least five days prior to travel.

Specific Breed ConcernsDue to health risks, brachycephalic (shortnose) dogs/cats are only accepted for travel at owner's risk and excess valuation is not available. The following is a list of the affected breeds:

Saturday, October 13, 2007

This step-in dog harness, found at some Petco stores and at Cetacea's online store, is one of the most amazing dog products I have ever come across. I learned about Cetacea and their plethora of dog supplies when I answered an ad for a dog model. After Max modeled we were given the products to try.

The Cetacea step-in harness is so easy to use. Your dog just steps in it and then it fastens on the back. It is a real time saver because you don't have to hassle with trying to stick their head through and then fumble with the fastening device. It is so quick and easy that Max knows to just step right in, and then step out the door.

Not only is it easy to use, but it is made in a way that is comfy for your little guy. All of the seams face out, and not against the dog. Imagine how uncomfortable that would be to have the thick seams constantly rubbing against you. It is easy to adjust sizes, then locks into position.

Additionally, it has a double safety feature. Not only does it fasten, but it has two brass D-rings that connect over the fastening latch in the event that it would ever come unfastened. It is beautifully crafted and you can definitely tell that a lot of thought went into this construction of this harness in order to meet the highest safety and comfort standards.

This harness is a steal at only $12.99. Max wears an XS, but as you will see at the website, they range from ferret and teacup sizes, all the way to Labrador sizes. They have 18 colors in stock and generally ship the same day. Check them out online. You won't be disappointed!

Friday, October 12, 2007

Be sure to only dress your pup in a costume that he is comfortable wearing. Don't force him to wear that hat he keeps taking off; it is more of a strangling hazard than a fashion statement.

If you want to cut costs this Halloween, try making a costume out of a shirt he already has.

Sew black felt circles on a red shirt to make a lady bug, or

Sew or draw black stripes on a yellow shirt to make a bumble bee... and don't forget the stinger ;)

Draw black rings around a white shirt to make your guy a jail bird

Try making a cape or bandanna from a yard of fabric from your local fabric store. It can easily be tied around the neck or sewn on his collar. Then try penciling on your own logo on the cape... Superdog!

Last year I bought a pair of kids jeans at Goodwill, then cut a 8" portion of the calf area and took out the seam. Then I make holes for the arms and wrote on the denim vest. Add a spike collar that we already owned, and Max was a punk rocker!

Safety:

Be extra careful when answering your door for trick-or-treaters. Don't let your little guy get scared by the ghosts and goblins and run out the door. Always use a leash on Halloween, even if your pup is fully trained. All the spooks may spook him.

Keep all decorations that could of danger to your pet out of his reach. Display lit Jack-o-Lanterns on a table or ledge, and keep all candy out of reach... especially chocolate.

If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, contact a veterinarian immediately. Or call the toll-free Animal Poison Control Center hot-line at (888) 426-4435. It's available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Nutro offers a free trial of its Natural Choice dog food. The great thing is that the coupon you receive is for a 5 lb bag. This is a $12 value. You just have to fill out a short survey at Nutro's website, and you will receive your coupon in a few weeks. I Then, simply present your coupon anywhere Nutro Natural Choice dog food is sold. I picked up my free bag at PetSmart. It was quick, simple, and comes in a variety of formulas. I got the adult formula small bites for my little guy.